In the context of the Bible, bond-maids, or female servants, are women who serve in a household under conditions that often resemble servitude or slavery. The term "bond-maid" is used to describe a woman who is bound to service, either through purchase, birth, or other circumstances. The concept of bond-maids is addressed in various passages throughout the Old Testament, reflecting the social and legal norms of ancient Israelite society.

Old Testament Context

The role and treatment of bond-maids are primarily discussed in the Pentateuch, where laws concerning their status and rights are outlined. In Exodus 21:7-11, specific regulations are provided for the treatment of Hebrew bond-maids: "If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who has designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her." This passage indicates that while bond-maids were considered property, there were protections in place to prevent their mistreatment.

Leviticus 25:44-46 further elaborates on the status of bond-maids, particularly those from foreign nations: "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also purchase from among the foreigners residing with you and their clans born in your land, who are your property. You may bequeath them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly." This distinction between Hebrew and foreign bond-maids highlights the different levels of servitude and the permanence of their status.

Social and Familial Roles

Bond-maids often played integral roles within the household, performing various domestic duties. In some cases, they could also become concubines or secondary wives, as seen in the account of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Genesis 16:1-4 recounts how Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to bear a child, illustrating the complex social dynamics and personal relationships involving bond-maids.

The account of Rachel and Leah in Genesis 29-30 also involves bond-maids, Bilhah and Zilpah, who were given to Jacob as concubines and bore him children. These narratives demonstrate how bond-maids could become integral to the family lineage and inheritance, despite their servile status.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The treatment of bond-maids in the Bible reflects broader ethical considerations regarding servitude and human dignity. While the institution of slavery was a reality in ancient times, the biblical text provides certain protections and rights for bond-maids, suggesting a moral framework that values humane treatment. Deuteronomy 15:12-15, for example, commands the release of Hebrew servants in the seventh year, emphasizing compassion and remembrance of Israel's own liberation from Egypt: "If your fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must let him go free."

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not specifically address bond-maids, it does emphasize the spiritual equality of all believers in Christ. Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse underscores the transformative message of the Gospel, which transcends social and cultural divisions, including those related to servitude.

In summary, bond-maids in the Bible are depicted within the context of ancient societal norms, with specific laws and narratives illustrating their roles and rights. The biblical text provides a framework for understanding the complexities of servitude while pointing towards a higher moral and spiritual vision of equality and dignity for all individuals.

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... 2. Bondmen and bondmaids might be bought from the heathen round about them; these
were left by fathers to their children after them, but it does not appear ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Bondmaids (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bondmaids (6 Occurrences). Leviticus 25:44 Both
thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall ...
/b/bondmaids.htm - 8k

Bond-maids (1 Occurrence)
Bond-maids. Bondmaids, Bond-maids. Bondman . Multi-Version Concordance
Bond-maids (1 Occurrence). ... (WBS). Bondmaids, Bond-maids. Bondman . Reference
/b/bond-maids.htm - 6k

Bondservants (39 Occurrences)
... the way of which I said to you, You shall see it no more again: and there you shall
sell yourselves to your enemies for bondservants and for bondmaids, and no ...
/b/bondservants.htm - 18k

Bond-men (16 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bond-men, and thy bond-maids, which thou shalt have, shall
be of the heathen that are around you; of them shall ye buy bond-men and ...
/b/bond-men.htm - 11k

Female (95 Occurrences)
... the way of which I said to you, You shall see it no more again: and there you shall
sell yourselves to your enemies for bondservants and for bondmaids, and no ...
/f/female.htm - 38k

Bondmen (117 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall
be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and ...
/b/bondmen.htm - 35k

Heathen (145 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall
be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and ...
/h/heathen.htm - 38k

Justify (19 Occurrences)
... But if we had been sold for bondservants and bondmaids, I would have held my peace,
although the adversary could not have compensated for the king's loss ...
/j/justify.htm - 12k

Transgressions (64 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:10 Now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem
for bondservants and bondmaids for yourselves: but aren't there even with ...
/t/transgressions.htm - 27k

Trespasses (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:10 Now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem
for bondservants and bondmaids for yourselves: but aren't there even with ...
/t/trespasses.htm - 11k

What is a bondservant / bond-servant? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Church of Body Modification? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being or using a surrogate mother? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus